Howard M. Milchberg Research Group

University of Maryland, College Park

What limits the generation and control of plasma channels created by extreme laser pulses in gases and solids? The laboratory studies the interaction of extremely intense laser light with matter, including generation of plasmas and nonlinear optical phenomena for basic physics and applied uses. Researchers use high-intensity laser systems and diagnostics to create and probe transient high-energy-density states and plasma channels to measure nonlinear propagation, filamentation, and particle acceleration mechanisms. Experiments combine ultrashort-pulse lasers with time-resolved optical and plasma diagnostics to map energy deposition, ionization dynamics, and resultant electromagnetic emission. The group explores mechanisms to harness laser-driven plasma processes for applications in high-field physics and compact radiation sources.